Belgian football's fiercest rivalry featuring violence, fan bans and VAR chaos
Anderlecht vs Standard Liege, otherwise known as the Clasico in Belgium, has a long and potted history.
Two of the most successful clubs in Belgium - boasting 44 top-flight titles between them - the two clubs are intrinsically linked in their respective pursuits of success. Anderlecht have long won the battle between the two when it comes to silverware.
They have collected a record 34 titles - their most recent coming in the 2016/17 season. Standard's wait is even longer; they are without a title since 2009.
While there is a difference between the two sides when it comes to their respective glories, that was not quite the case on the pitch as Mirror Football attended the latest offering of the Belgian Clasico earlier this month.
Even ahead of attending the game, there was already an anticipation of how fierce this derby game can grow with Standard Liege fans being banned from attending Lotto Park. The ban had come into force just days before, with violence marring a 2-0 Belgian Cup success for Anderlecht.
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Seats were ripped away from the stands and thrown at home supporters. A statement from both clubs confirmed the decision. It read: "Despite elaborate security measures, the Clasico ended in violent clashes and significant material damage.
"The Clasico, which for the majority of fans is based on a healthy rivalry, has escalated four times in the last six years because of small groups of supporters on both sides. At least until the end of the 2024-2025 season, no visiting fans will be allowed to attend matches between Standard and RSC Anderlecht.
Anderlecht fans unfurl a banner before their clash with Standard Liege
Anders Dreyer celebrates after scoring against Standard Liege (Getty Images)What do you think is the best derby in European football? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"Both clubs deeply regret this decision and are aware that it will also affect some of the most well-intentioned and loyal supporters, but they want to send a strong signal that violence has no place in and around a football stadium."
Even without the presence of away fans, there was still excitement on the streets of the Anderlecht district of the Belgian capital. Supporters, decked out in the recognisable purple shades of the home side, were happily drinking outside despite the pouring rain.
Even three hours ahead of kick-off, fans were present outside of the stadium. There was a special reason however. Fan group 'La Coupe' were celebrating the 40th anniversary of famous fan Michou Dehenain purchasing a bar immediately outside of the stadium.
Anderlecht fans light flares during their game with Standard Liege (Getty Images)It has long become a regular meeting place of Anderlecht supporters of all ages. It is easy to admit that the countless amounts of pendants, posters and stickers on the walls were a sight to behold.
Despite the camaraderie, it was still made clear that this game was not a normal one. Standard are referred to as 'sons of b******' and while there were no away supporters, this game was clearly as important as any other should they had been in attendance.
Supporters were packing into the stands way before kick-off. Following a pre-match display among a group of the club's ultras, fans were celebrating the first goal and the noise was deafening.
Kawabe Hayao still took the opportunity to goad supporters without away fans (Getty Images)Andres Dreyer slotted home with an excellent finish, only for the linesman's flag to curtail the celebrations. A lengthy VAR check soon confirmed the strike.
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Hayao Kawabe equalised for Standard on the stroke of half-time - slack defending from the hosts allowing him in to stroke past ex-Leicester man Kasper Schmeichel. It was certainly bizarre to be in a stadium where a goal was not celebrated even by a small corner of the stadium.
The visitors then hit the front though. Wilfried Kango sprung the Anderlecht offside trap and converted coolly. With VAR playing a role in Anderlecht's first goal, there was more chaos for their equaliser.
Anderlecht celebrate scoring against Standard Liege (Getty Images)A stunning free-kick from Dreyer hit the woodwork before Standard keeper Arnaud Bodart produced a brilliant reaction save on the follow-up. A handball as Standard attempted to clear gave Anderlecht the chance to equaliser from the spot which they duly did through Dreyer - who just about squeezed his effort home.
It was the second time in as many seasons that the clash at Lotto Park has ended 2-2 in the league. While the result did not go the way that the hosts will have wanted, the bars around the stadium remained packed in celebratory mood.
There was concern that some Standard fans would still have travelled without tickets but there was no such threat as another chapter of Belgium's simmering rivalry came and went.
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